Sulwhasoo: Perfecting Cushion Brightening vs Perfecting Cushion

Eighteen months after the successful launch of their first foundation cushion, the Perfecting Cushion (previously named Evenfair Perfecting Cushion), the  Korean luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo released their second cushion, namely, the Perfecting Cushion Brightening.

Set to officially launch in July, the cushion promises instant illuminating effects and natural clarity which stays on the skin for 24 hours.

Formulated in a different way than its predecessor, the latest cushion’s star ingredients are White Magnolia Blossoms Extracts and Pearlescent Complex which are both used in Donguibogam (Principles and Practices on Asian Medicine) to improve the complexion and add a subtle glow to the skin. Other key ingredients are licorice purifying water (to provide more hydration and translucency) and the precious white ginseng polysaccaride which is used to treat the internal heat that causes yellowness of the skin.

With these new super components, we couldn’t wait to put this cushion to the test, and most importantly compare the results with its older sister which so far has been our trusty daily go-to cushion. Here’s our verdict.

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion

It might not be everybody’s cup of tea – especially those who have oily skin – but the dewy finish given by this cushion has been certainly appreciated by folks with dry skin like myself. I have been using this cushion since its launch and it never failed in covering up my blemishes and dark spots while keeping my skin feeling hydrated and supple. I also didn’t mind the shine as it looked more ‘dewy’ than ‘oily’, that I hardly had to set it with powder – which normally results in the less-than-desirable cakey effect and highlights my fine lines.

By giving me good coverage (somewhere in between BB cream and liquid foundation), while keeping my skin looking natural and healthy, it has firmly earned its place in my vanity closet and justifiably so.

Perfecting Cushion Brightening

With so much expectations and a strong predecessor to live up to, I first had my doubts on how different the Perfecting Cushion Brightening could be from the Evenfair Perfecting cushion. I mean, even the name signifies that they do the same thing right?

After trying it daily for two week – I finally cracked it! First, while the earlier cushion gave me the dewy look I so desired, the latest had a more matte yet satin-like finish which definitely didn’t need any setting and would probably make it appeal to more people with oily skin. Also I felt the texture and coverage were slightly lighter resulting in a more natural fresh look, almost like bare skin – making it perfect for more low-key days where I want to even out my skin tone without looking like I have anything on. It really blends in very well and gives me a glowing complexion without much need for touching up throughout the day.

Essentially both cushions succeeded in evening out my skin tone, hydrating my skin and making it look fresh and healthy and I would stock on both for different reasons. While the Perfecting Cushion won me over with the dewy finish and high-coverage making it ideal as a foundation replacement in my makeup routine, the look I achieved with Perfecting Cushion Brightening was more effortless and natural, and lasted longer. But if you have room for only one, I would recommend you base your choice on the type of finish you’re looking for – and both ways, I guarantee you’ll be hooked.

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening (available from July 1, 2015, SGD80) and Perfecting Cushion (SGD74) retails at all Sulwhasoo counters.

Rana Wehbe